That’s because a testing fee of $125 will be implemented in 2014 to take the test, and that’s why the Russellville Adult Education Center (RAEC) is offering a Weekend GED Marathon beginning Nov. 10 at the RAEC located at 1000 S. Arkansas Ave.

The weekend GED marathon is a four-part series beginning on Nov. 10 and ending Dec. 2. The weekends are broken down into prep test on Nov. 10, prep class on Nov. 17 and then the test will be administered in two parts on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

Deadline to register for the GED marathon is Nov. 9. Call the RAEC at 968-5244 for more information.

RAEC director Gregg Grant said individuals who sign up for the GED marathon will begin with a pre-test to evaluate needs and receive results that afternoon on Nov. 10. Currently there is no charge to utilize the RAEC resources or to take the GED exam.

Grant said it is crucial for residents in the Arkansas River Valley to utilize the free resource before 2014 when the cost to take the GED exam will be $125.

“Many states are already charging. We’ve been fortunate in Arkansas to provide the GED for free,” Grant said. “We’re hoping funding will be set aside for adult education to offset the cost during the next legislative session.”

Grant said more than 300 students complete the GED test administered through the RAEC and its satellite locations.

He said the marathon weekends are designed with flexibility in mind for interested persons whose work schedules prohibit them from visiting the center during the week.

“Our goal is to provide as many interested persons in the River Valley the opportunity to further their education,” Grant said. “We see ourselves as a bridge to a brighter future for many in the area. The changes in 2014 will have a direct impact on the accessibility of the GED to many Arkansans, including residents in Pope and Yell Counties. We hope to get the word out as much as possible over the next few months about the changes and to hopefully find some funding solutions to allow the GED to continue to be accessible right here in Russellville.”

To learn more about adult education options in the area, call the center at 968-5244.